Method of orientating an apparatus for housing fans

ABSTRACT

A method of orientating an apparatus for housing fans includes the step of providing a mounting body portion and first, second and third fan housings. The mounting body portion has a length, and includes first and second longitudinal sides. The fan housings are operably attached to the mounting body portion. The fan housings also have a length. The sum of the lengths of the fan housings are greater than the length of the mounting body portion. The fan housings include a cable trough. The method also includes the step of orienting each of the cable troughs towards a region of the mounting body portion bounded by each of the fan housings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of orientating an apparatusfor housing fans, and in particular, to a method for orientating anapparatus for housing fans and multiple DC/DC converters, for use incooling electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Among other uses, fans are presently utilized to reduce the temperatureof the various parts of electronic equipment. Typically, these fans arehoused within fan housings, which are then placed within an apparatus,which is attached to a side of the equipment for which the fans aremeant to cool. Such fan housings have been designed in many ways,encompassing differing shapes and sizes. However, in many respects, thelack of efficiency of these varying designs is readily apparent.

First, in an effort to increase the output of cooling ability of thefans, which is necessary to prevent overheating and possible meltdown ofelectronic devices, most designs have relied on a "bigger is better"premise, and have increased the size of the fans themselves. However,such a constructive theory has conversely led to other liabilities,including an increase in the required space, the required number ofparts, the intensity of labor, the weight, and the cost of production.

As a result, such an increase in size lowered the efficiency of thetemperature reduction process, as the amount of cubic feet per minute(CPM) which could be cooled became abated. Also, such a size increaseruns contrary to today's electronic world, in which the aforementionedpremise applies to ability, speed and power, and not to size. In fact,with the advent of laptop computers, cellular telephones, and the like,most electronic items these days emphasize their reduction in size fromitems past. In addition, such electronic cooling devices should includea means by which the circuitry used to power such devices can be reliedupon almost indefinitely.

Finally, typical cooling devices have the added problem of beingassembled in a myriad of ways, thus further increasing the efficiency ofthe labor involved. Also, a non-uniform method of assembly requiresadditional parts, such as, for example, longer electric power cables.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method of orientating anapparatus for housing fans that would reduce labor costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention provides a method of orientating an apparatusfor housing fans. The method includes the step of providing a mountingbody portion and first, second and third fan housings. The mounting bodyportion has a length, and includes first and second longitudinal sides.The mounting body portion may also include first and second mountingplates for receiving DC/DC convertors. The DC/DC convertors preferablyinclude a cable. Preferably, the mounting body portion may also includefirst, second and third guide portions extending in an upward direction.The mounting body portion may also include first and second lateralsides. The fan housings are operably attached to the mounting bodyportion. The fan housings also have a length. Each fan housing alsopreferably includes a guide flange extending in a downward direction.The sum of the lengths of the fan housings are greater than the lengthof the mounting body portion. The fan housings include a cable trough.Preferably, the fan housings receive fans. Each of the fans may includea cable. Also, each fan housing preferably includes a plurality offastener flanges having an opening. The method may also provide for atop portion. The method also includes the step of orienting each of thecable troughs towards a region of the mounting body portion bounded byeach of the fan housings, and, preferably, the first longitudinal side.The method may also include the steps of positioning each of the fanswithin one of the fan housings, and positioned each of the cables withinthe cable troughs. The method may also include the step of operablyattaching the mounting plates to a region of the mounting body portionbounded by the second longitudinal side and two of the fan housings. Themethod may also include the step of mounting each DC/DC convertors onone of the mounting plates of the mounting body portion. The method mayalso include the step of positioning each of the cables of the DC/DCconvertors within the mounting body portion. The method may also includethe step of positioning each of the fan housings over one of theopenings of the mounting body portion to allow each of the guideportions to be received within the guide flanges of the fan housings.The method may also include the step of coupling the cables of the DC/DCconvertors and the fans to the connector. The method may also includethe step of operably attaching each of the fan housings to the mountingbody portion. The method may also include the step of inserting a fanhousing fastener into the plurality of fastener flanges. The method mayalso include the step of operably attaching the fan housing fasteners tothe mounting body portion. The method may also include the step ofoperably attaching the top portion to the lateral sides of the mountingbody portion and the longitudinal sides of the mounting body portion.The method may also include the step of powering the fans and the DC/DCconvertors by means of an electrical current transmitted via theconnector through the cables of the fans and the DC/DC convertors.

The invention provides the foregoing and other features, and theadvantages of the invention will become further apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments,read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detaileddescription and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention and donot limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appendedclaims and the equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a front view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus forhousing fans and multiple DC/DC convertors, made in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 1b is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 1c is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 1d is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1a, shownwithout the top portion;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1a, shownwithout the top portion and the first, second and third fan housings;

FIG. 5a is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a fanhousing, made in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 5b is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1c and 3, reference numeral 10 represents apreferred embodiment of an apparatus for housing fans. The apparatus 10comprises a mounting body portion 12 and first, second and third fanhousings 26, 28, 30. The mounting body portion 12 has a length L1, andincludes first and second longitudinal sides 14, 16. The fan housings26, 28, 30 are operably attached to the mounting body portion 12. Thefan housings 26, 28, 30 have a length L2. The sum of the lengths L2 ofeach of the fan housings 26, 28, 30 are greater than the length L1 ofthe mounting body portion 12. Each of the fan housings 26, 28, 30include cable troughs 36, 38, 40. Each of the cable troughs 36, 38, 40are oriented adjacent to a region 13 of the mounting body portion 12which is bounded by each of the fan housings 26, 28, 30. In thepreferred embodiment, the first longitudinal side 14 also bounds theregion.

The apparatus 10 can be made out of any rigid material, but willpreferably be made out of a metallic material, such as, for example,sheet metal, aluminum, stainless steel, etc. The mounting body portion12 provides the base of the apparatus 10. The two longitudinal sides 14,16 are preferably disposed on opposing parallel ends of the mountingbody portion 12. Preferably, the mounting body portion 12 also comprisesa first lateral side 18 and a second lateral side 20. Preferably, thetwo lateral sides 18, 20 are disposed on opposing parallel ends of themounting body portion 12 perpendicular to the two longitudinal sides 14,16.

The first longitudinal side 14 is shown in more detail in FIG. 1c, andincludes a connector opening 22, which is adapted for receiving aconnector 24. The connector 24 is preferably a standard femaleelectronic connector, which may be connected with an appropriatestandard male connector for use in providing an electric current to theapparatus 10. The second longitudinal side 16 is shown in more detail inFIG. 1b, and includes two latches 32, 34. The latches 32, 34, which arepreferably spring-loaded, are inserted into openings (not shown) in thesecond longitudinal side 16 and are used to bias the apparatus 10 intoposition within an electronic, or other, device of which the apparatus10 is meant to reduce the temperature.

Referring to FIG. 3, first and second mounting plates 54, 56 are shown.The mounting plates 54, 56 are used to preferably receive DC/DCconvertors, or any similar device used to power the apparatus 10 andmaintain redundancy, which are shown in phantom at reference numeral 72.Preferably, the DC/DC convertors 72 are standard convertors presentlyused in the field, and preferably include cables, the path of which isalso shown in phantom at reference numeral 78.

FIG. 3 also shows more detail with regards to the fan housings 26, 28,30. Specifically, the fan housings 26, 28, 30 are shown with a pluralityof fastener flanges 58, which are spaced along a perimeter region of thefan housings 26, 28, 30. As shown, the fastener flanges 58 include anopening. This allows the fasteners 66 entry into the fastener flanges58, and secures the fan housing 26 to the mounting body portion 12.

FIG. 4 shows the inside of the mounting body portion 12 of the apparatus10. Disposed within the mounting body portion 12 are first, second andthird openings 60, 62, 64. The openings 60, 62, 64 are approximatelyequal in length L3 with respect to each other. The openings 60, 62, 64of the mounting body portion 12 are used in a way similar to that of theopenings 48, 50, 52 of the top portion 42, that being to allow air toenter the apparatus 10 in an effort to reduce the temperature of theelectronic device. Also shown in FIG. 4 are the guide portions 68, 70,72. Each of the guide portions 68, 70, 72 are preferably disposed alongthe perimeter region of one of the openings 60, 62, 64 of the mountingbody portion 12. The purpose of the guide portions 68, 70, 72 is topreferably orient the fan housings 26, 28, 30 as they are attached tothe mounting body portion 12, and allow assembly of the apparatus 10 ina relatively simple manner.

Shown on each of the fan housings 26, 28, 30 are cable troughs 36, 38,40. The fan housings 26, 28, 30 preferably receive fans, which are shownin phantom at reference numeral 74. The fans 74 are used for reducingthe temperature of the specific electronic, or other, device. The fans74 are electrically powered through a cable, the path of which is shownin phantom at reference numeral 76. The cables 76 are positioned withinthe cable troughs 36, 38, 40, and are connected to a connector 24. Theconnector 24 is then positioned within the connector opening 22. Thecables 76, 78 of both the DC/DC convertors 72 and the fans 74 arecoupled to the connector 24. An electric current used to power the fans74 is preferably transmitted through the connector 24, the cables 76 andultimately to the fans 74 themselves. Similarly, an electric currentused to power the DC/DC convertors 72 is preferably transmitted throughthe connector 24, the cables 78 and ultimately to the DC/DC convertors72 themselves.

Referring to FIGS. 5a-b, a more detailed view of the first fan housing26 is shown. Preferably, for purposes of the preferred embodiment, thefirst fan housing 26 is substantially similar to the second and thirdfan housings 28, 30. Additionally, the fan housing 26 is preferablycircular in shape, but any shape which will fit within the apparatus 10will suffice. Also, the length L2 of the fan housing 26 may preferably,when circular housings 26, 28, 30 are used, be a diameter. The lengthsL2 of each of the fan housings 26, 28, 30 may preferably beapproximately equal with respect to each other. The first fan housing 26is shown with the cable trough 36, and the plurality of fastener flanges58. Also shown on the fan housing 26 is the guide flange 70. The guideflange 70 is preferably disposed on the cable trough 36, and projects ina downward direction. The guide flange 70 is preferably disposedadjacent to the cable trough 36 of the fan housing 26 and to one of thefastener flanges 58. The guide flange 70 is used to orient the fanhousing 26 into the mounting body portion 12, by permitting placement ofthe fan housing 26 on the guide portion 68 of the mounting body portion12 only through the guide flange 70. In other words, the guide portion68 is received in the guide flange 70. Thus, there is only oneorientating way for the fan housing 26 to be attached to the mountingbody portion 12.

Finally, shown in FIG. 1a is the top portion 42 of the apparatus 10. Thetop portion 42 is operably attached, preferably through the use ofscrews 80 as shown, to the first longitudinal side 14, the first lateralside 18 and the second lateral side 20 of the apparatus 10. The topportion 42 is also operably attached to the second longitudinal side 16,preferably by sliding underneath the lip of the second longitudinal side16. Preferably disposed on the top portion 42 are first and second setsof air vent openings 44, 46. These sets of air vent openings 44, 46 areused to provide and maintain an air flow within the apparatus 10. Alsodisposed on the top portion 42 are first, second and third openings 48,50, 52, which also allow an air flow to enter the fan housings 26, 28,30. The openings 48, 50, 52, which are approximately equal in length L4with respect to each other, are preferably disposed over the fans 74,and correspond in location, and size, to the openings 60, 62, 64 of themounting body portion 12. Additionally, the sets of air vent openings44, 46 are preferably disposed within a region of the top portion 42which is bounded by the second longitudinal side 16 and two of theopenings 48, 50, 52. Providing such an air flow preferably serves toreduce the temperature of the devices to which the apparatus 10 isdirected.

Because of the placement of the guide portions 68 and the guide flanges70, the apparatus 10 can be assembled in only one way, thus reducinglabor inefficiencies and providing a simple method of assembly. First,the fans 74 are installed within the fan housings 26, 28, 30. Second,the cables 76 of the fans 74 are positioned within the cable troughs 36,38, 40 of the fan housings 26, 28, 30. The fan housings 26, 28, 30 arethen disposed over the openings 60, 62, 64 of the mounting body portion12, such that each of the guide portions 68 is received within the guideflanges 70. The fan housings 26, 28, 30 are then operably attached tothe mounting body portion 12 through the insertion of the fasteners 66into the fastener flanges 58. The cables 76 of the fans 74 are thenrouted to the connector 24. In a similar manner, the DC/DC convertors 72are positioned on the mounting plates 54, 56 of the mounting bodyportion 12, and the cables 78 of the DC/DC convertors 72 are also routedto the connector 24. Once assembly has been completed, an electricalcurrent is transmitted through the connector 24 to the cables 76, 78 ofthe fans 74 and the DC/DC convertors 72, to power the apparatus 10.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presentlyconsidered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thescope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalents areintended to be embraced therein.

We claim:
 1. A method of orientating an apparatus for housing fans,comprising:providing a mounting body portion having a length andincluding first and second longitudinal sides, and first, second andthird fan housings operably attached to the mounting body portion, eachof the first, second and third fan housings having a length, the sum ofthe lengths of each of the first, second and third fan housings beinggreater than the length of the mounting body portion, each of the first,second and third fan housings including a cable trough; and orientingeach of the cable troughs towards a region of the mounting body portionbounded by each of the first, second and third fan housings.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further including the step of orienting each of thecable troughs towards a region of the mounting body portion additionallybounded by the first longitudinal side.
 3. The method of claim 2,further providing first, second and third fans, each of the first,second and third fans including a cable; and further including the stepofpositioning each of the first, second and third fans within one of thefirst, second and third fan housings.
 4. The method of claim 3, furtherincluding the step of positioning each of the cables of each of thefirst, second and third fans within the cable troughs of one of thefirst, second and third fan housings.
 5. The method of claim 4, furtherproviding, on the mounting body portion, first and second mountingplates; and further including the step ofoperably attaching each of thefirst and second mounting plates to a region of the mounting bodyportion bounded by the second longitudinal side and two of the first,second and third fan housings.
 6. The method of claim 5, furtherproviding first and second DC/DC convertors, each of the first andsecond DC/DC convertor including a cable; and further including the stepofmounting each of the first and second DC/DC convertors on one of themounting plates of the mounting body portion.
 7. The method of claim 6,further including the step of positioning each of the cables of each ofthe first and second DC/DC convertors within the mounting body portion.8. The method of claim 7, further providing, on the mounting bodyportion, first, second and third guide portions extending in an upwarddirection from the mounting body portion, and, on each of the first,second and third fan housings, a guide flange, each of the guide flangesincluding an opening an extending in a downward direction; and furtherincluding the step ofpositioning each of the first, second and third fanhousings over one of the first, second and third openings of themounting body portion to allow each of the guide portions to be receivedwithin the guide flanges of the first, second and third fan housings. 9.The method of claim 8, further including the step of coupling the cablesof the first and second DC/DC convertors and the first, second and thirdfans to the connector.
 10. The method of claim 9, further including thestep of operably attaching each of the first, second and third fanhousings to the mounting body portion.
 11. The method of claim 10,further providing, on each of the first, second and third fan housings,a plurality of fastener flanges having an opening; and further includingthe step ofinserting a fan housing fastener into each of the pluralityof fastener flanges.
 12. The method of claim 11, further including thestep of operably attaching each of the fan housing fasteners to themounting body portion.
 13. The method of claim 12, further providing, onthe mounting body portion, first and second lateral sides, and includinga top portion; and further including the step ofoperably attaching thetop portion to the first and second lateral sides of the mounting bodyportion and the first and second longitudinal sides of the mounting bodyportion.
 14. The method of claim 13, further including the step ofpowering each of the first, second and third fans and each of the firstand second DC/DC convertors by means of an electrical currenttransmitted via the connector through each of the cables of the first,second and third fans and each of the first and second DC/DC convertors.